Independence Day Special Assembly

(by Tamanna Meena, Class X)

I have always wondered how it must have felt on the day when we gained independence? Is satisfying the word for it? Well, I would never know. It’s been 75 years and on every year I think of all those who contributed in the independence struggle. I think that is what makes this day so important and remarkable.  This day makes us feel grateful for our nation and its history.

Since it was a national holiday on 15 August 2022, we at New Era Public School, Dwarka celebrated this significant occasion on 16th August 2022. The assembly started when our beloved chairperson Mrs. Usha Chopra, our director Mr. Rohit Chopra, and our principal Mrs. Kanwal Kohli graced us with their presence. I was anxious but confident after being appointed as the anchor. Flag hoisting and national anthem signaled the start of the assembly. The flag rose high in the sky and so did my heart beat.  The choir sang a melodious song ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mohotsav’, which echoed and created a joyful atmosphere.

Thereafter, I called upon adorable primary students, who were dressed up as Birsa Munda and Kanak Lata Barua. They not only touched my heart with their cuteness but also with the message they were trying to convey. As I paid attention to their encouraging words, I realized that the fire to be free within these freedom fighters, their courage and bravery kept them going throughout their journey and their boldness inspired other people to fight for the nation. Similarly, we can also build these values in ourselves.

Drishti Udar walked barefoot to the stage to personify the Padma Shree Awardee, Tulsi Gowda, also known as the barefoot environmentalist. This exemplary environmentalist planted more than 30,000 saplings for the nature. And in my opinion, nothing can be more patient than watching these saplings grow into trees. She taught us that anything is possible only if we are perseverant to achieve it. She also proved that love for our nation can be expressed in any form. Consequently, we all must understand the growing concern of environmental degradation and start taking action in whichever way possible.

 The dance performance of students from classes 6th to 12th was energetic and confident and full of grace. It gave me goosebumps and made me smile as an anchor.

 The performance ended and it was time for our respected chairperson to address the assembly with her words of wisdom. First of all, she praised the dance performance and appreciated it. Through her experienced life,  she motivated us to learn the values of the freedom fighters and apply them into our day-to-day lifestyle. So that, their sacrifice is not wasted in anyway. Her insightful words influenced me.

Our guiding light, our director, Mr. Rohit Chopra exclaimed that we hear the names of the renowned freedom fighters being remembered or honored. What about those unsung warriors who equally contributed in the struggle? Without whom gaining independence wouldn’t have been possible. This enlightened me. It truly was a topic most of us ignore. He requested us to research about the lesser known freedom fighters and to pay them due respect.

With these amazing words we concluded the amazing assembly. And I learned some amazing things. We should stand up against any form of injustice. My love for my nation of diverse people, multiple languages and numerous artworks has increased ten fold. Today, I learnt that it takes courage and bravery to conquer fear and become free. The voice of the cute primary students, who dressed up as Birsa Munda , still echoes in my mind that ‘success is not final and failure is not fatal , it is the courage to continue that counts’.

Tamanna Meena